Foods That Are Served During A Party - But Should Not

When you sit down to plan the food for your upcoming party, whether it be a family reunion, holiday get together or hosting a baby or bridal shower, you’re constantly thinking about what you should serve to your guest. But do you really stop to think of the things you shouldn’t serve at your party? Sometimes, it’s just as important to know what not to serve to your guests as it is figuring out what you’ll feed them.

Here are some foods that are served during a party, but should not...

Tortilla chips are yummy and delicious when you’re sitting around with the family watching your favorite sports team or just wanting to munch out with some salsa. However, don’t serve them at your party. They look cheap, like you didn’t care enough to think through putting out a snack or appetizer. Opt for water crackers, sliced breads, or pita chips instead.

Bowls of nuts are another item that might seem easy to put out and spread around for a crowd, but it’s another way of dialing in your snacks and appetizers during a party. Besides, many people are allergic to tree nuts (pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, etc.) or peanuts. Avoid serving these in your dishes, on platters as a decoration, or in the desserts. It’s just easier to stay away from the possibility of putting any of your guests into anaphylactic shock.

Fish is delicious, flaky, and mouthwatering. However, it’s not the best thing to serve during a party because it can smell up your house when you cook it. That’s a smell that nauseates a lot of people. Even if you fry it, the oil smell stays in the air, as well. It’s best to avoid serving fish unless you’re hosting a seafood-related party. In that case, purchase pre-made fish dishes, cook outside, or poach a day ahead to give the odor time to dissipate.

Who doesn’t like corn on the cob? But at a party? It’s not the most “user friendly” item to serve. Since it takes two hands to eat, corn on the cob doesn’t lend to standing up with your appetizer plate. You also need salt and butter and napkins and it’s just impossible to have a conversation when you’re fighting your corn. If you want to serve corn, use kernels of it in a corn and black bean salad.

Avoid giving guests bad breath by serving garlic and raw onions. Sure, these are tasty items when added to many dishes, but you pay for it with the after effects. You don’t want to cringe away from guests whose garlic breath over powers you when you’re talking. Just keep your recipes, snacks, and appetizers free of these items.

Don’t serve dips or dressings laced with poppy seeds, spinach, or anything else that might stick in teeth and cause embarrassment to the person who’s eaten it. The worst thing at a party is talking to someone who’s got the party food stuck in their teeth. Thing of this when you’re designing your menu and the appetizer or main dishes that you’ll serve at your party. It may seem silly at first, but it can be a conversation killer.

Try not to serve anything that will stain too badly. Stay away from tomato sauces, salsas, red wine, or anything else that can spill, fall off a plate, or end up on the carpet only to leave a permanent stain. Your guests don’t want to leave their mark on your home, so don’t give them any ammunition in the food department that might make for a disastrous situation. And this goes for spaghetti. While it’s a delicious family meal, it’s not the best thing to serve at a party unless you pass out bids and cover the carpet with polyethylene.

So, keep things simple and elegant for your party and be sure not to make the mistake of serving something that shouldn’t be at your party.




Misha Anatolia writes about party topics, love, and marriage. If you are engaged and planning a bridal shower, then be sure to check out Misha's articles on bridal shower food and other bridal shower ideas.

Note: You can reprint this article in your ezine, blog, or website as long as the credits remain intact and hyperlinks remain active and do follow.